Are there differences between the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5?+
Yes, while the commandments are essentially the same, there are subtle differences in wording and motivation. Most notably, the Sabbath commandment is justified differently in each account—Exodus 20:11 appeals to God's rest during creation, while Deuteronomy 5:15 appeals to remembrance of deliverance from Egypt. These variations reflect different theological emphases in each presentation.
What follows the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20?+
Immediately after the commandments, Exodus 20:22-26 provides detailed regulations about altar construction and worship practices. God reinforces the prohibition against idolatry by forbidding cast idols of silver and gold, and specifies that altars must be built with uncut stone, not shaped stone, and that no iron tool should touch the stones.
Why did the Israelites fear God after hearing the Ten Commandments?+
According to Exodus 20:18-19, the people were terrified by the dramatic physical manifestations that accompanied God's declaration of the law: thunder, lightning, the sound of a trumpet, and the mountain shrouded in smoke. The people asked Moses to mediate further communication with God, saying they feared they would die if God spoke to them directly again.